Post Surgery Instructions
At South 40 Dental Sexsmith, we offer oral surgery services to our patients. It is important to follow instructions after you have oral surgery to ensure proper healing and to avoid complications. You should always wait two hours after surgery before eating to let the anesthesia wear off. Trying to eat before this results in soft tissue damage.
Recovering From Your Dental Procedure
The instructions found below are guidelines. After your surgery, the doctor or dental assistant will give you full instructions on how to properly recover from surgery.
Root Canal Therapy
You can expect soreness after a root canal procedure for a few days. You should avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the procedure was performed.
You will also need to take an antibiotic to treat any remaining infection in your tooth. If you notice an increasing amount of pain or tenderness, a reaction to the medication, or the loss of the temporary restoration (filling), please call the dentist immediately.
Crowns & Bridges
Before you receive your permanent crown/bridge, you will first receive a temporary restoration. It is important to remember the temporary restoration is not as sturdy as the permanent one, so you will need to be careful when cleaning your teeth and eating. You should brush the area gently and should not pull up on the tooth when flossing because it could become dislodged.
The same goes for eating. You should avoid sticky or chewy foods while you have the temporary restoration.
There may be some sensitivity and irritation after the temporary or permanent crown/bridge is placed. This is normal and will subside after the soft tissue heals.
A warm salt water rinse will help and you can also take Advil or Tylenol if the pain doesn't resolve. Caring for your bridge/crown is just like caring for your own teeth. You should brush and floss regularly.
White Fillings (Bonding)
After the anesthesia wears off, your teeth will likely be sensitive. You should avoid hot and cold foods and drinks for the next few days.
After that initial period, your treated teeth will feel as good as new. Continue your normal hygiene plan to ensure that your fillings last for a long time.
Scaling and Planing
After this procedure, your gums will most likely be slightly sore and irritated for a few days. It is recommended you rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1 tsp salt/8 oz water) 2-3 times a day. This will relieve the pain and cleanse the area.
Brushing and flossing should be continued right after the procedure, but you should brush gently so that you do not further irritate the area. If you experience any swelling or stiffness in the area, you can place a cold compress on the area and take some pain relieving medication.
Avoid any hard or chewy foods for 2-3 days after the surgery to ensure the area heals correctly. If you continue to experience pain or swelling after a few days, contact your dentist.
Veneers
Before you receive your permanent veneer, you will first receive a temporary restoration. This is not as sturdy as the permanent version, so you should be careful when cleaning your teeth and eating.
You should brush the area gently and should not floss because it could become dislodged. It is important to avoid any sticky or chewy foods while you have the temporary veneers.
There may be some sensitivity and irritation after the temporary or permanent veneers are placed. Take Advil or Tylenol if the pain does not go away.
When the veneer is placed it may feel a bit strange at first. If your bite feels abnormal in any way, you should let your dentist know. When brushing and flossing, pay close attention to the area between the veneer and the tooth at the gum line.
Extractions
After the surgery, you will need to rest. You will need to be driven home by a friend or family member due to the anesthesia.
You can expect for the extraction to bleed after the surgery. Gauze will be applied at the completion of the surgery, and it should be changed every few hours. If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours, contact the dentist. Rest when you return home, but do not lie flat, this could prolong the bleeding.
If you become sore, be sure to follow medication instruction provided by your dentist. You may also use an ice pack for the pain. Your dentist may also provide you with a cleaning solution to clean the extraction site.
You will be limited to soft foods for several days after your surgery. Some recommended foods are:
- Gelatin
- Pudding
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Ice cream
- Thin soups
- Other food that can be eaten without chewing
When drinking, make sure you do not use a straw. The sucking motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process. The same goes for smoking. If you have prolonged pain, bleeding, irritation, or if you do not feel that the extraction is healing properly, please contact your dentist for a follow-up. Request Appointment
